Camping is a fun and budget friendly activity for most families. I've seen some people bring
along every creature comfort form home they can think of, but they're missing the spirit of things a
bit. Camping itself can be all the entertainment you'll need.
The adventure starts as soon as you get to the campground. You've got to find a spot to setup your
tent or camper. Then, if permitted, you can gather up firewood, and then later you can make s'mores
and sig campfire songs. And for us city dwellers, just being able to see so many stars is kind of
awe inspiring.
And the campground is only the beginning. State and national parks have a vast array of activities
in store for you. Let's take hiking for example. I can't say I've ever camped at a park without
hiking trails. And while hiking may sound boring if you've never done it, all I can say is you've
got to give it a try. It gets in your blood.
Most camp grounds are built on or near some well maintained and stocked lake. So that one
opportunity offers recreational activities of swimming, boating and fishing. If the weather permits,
swimming in a natural setting like a lake will make any swimming pool seem tame and boring. When the
kids can jump off docks into lakes that may be brimming with living things, their imaginations alone
will keep them full of fun for hours.
And if you don't own a boat yet you still want to go boating, frequently you still can. Many parks
offer boat rentals and the rates tend to be reasonable. And while you're out on the boat you may as
well try your hand at fishing. You never know what you might catch. And heck, even if you don't
catch anything you still can have a great time.
Most state or national parks are well staffed with park rangers who jobs are to protect the park as
well as its visitors and to assure that your visit is safe and fun. A visit to the Visitor's
Information Center can be a real education as they are almost always well decorated with maps,
pictures and visuals of local wild life and videos of the history of the park. You can turn that
visit into a recreational outing that will rival going to a Harry Potter movie for fun and
excitement and it is educational as well.
Before you leave the Visitor's Center, find out if the park rangers are conducing any nature walks,
lectures, or tours anytime soon. If they are, make sure to find out how you can sign up. A tour with
a park ranger can be a lot of fun since they're certain to point out things you would have otherwise
missed had you gone on an unguided tour.
There really isn't a whole lot that is more fun than just going out in nature and hiking and
camping. You'll probably be amazed at how economical your camping activities are - most of them will
be free. And the memories from those trips will last a lifetime.
